Projecting our Top 10 players on the Texas roster for 2024 (2024)

It could be a reach to project Muhammad as a Top 10 player ahead of Texas running backs and some wide receivers. I think he becomes a lock down corner in 2024 after flashing the most talent we’ve seen at cornerback in a long time as a freshman. Running backs Jaydon Blue and Cedric Baxter Jr. just miss my list but could rise even into the Top 5 by season’s end. I’m still expecting Muhammad could surprise this year.

Anthony Hill Jr. is primed to star at linebacker after 67 tackles and five sacks in his freshman campaign. He shined in the biggest regular season game securing two of his five sacks against Alabama. Like Muhammad, Hill could take over games in 2024.

Somehow it feels like it underrates Burke to rank him at No. 8 on the team, but his inclusion should be inarguable after his impact last season. Burke’s 5.5-sack season was supplemented by lesser heralded plays, like shoe string tackles against Alabama or Washington. Burke’s length is advantageous not only in closing on ball carriers but pass rushing. Look for him to follow 2023 with another strong campaign.

Barron is consistent and predictable. It’s what should make him an easy choice for a higher ranking. He brings position flexibility as a player who could play in the slot, outside at cornerback or even at safety in the upcoming season. Barron seemed to become one of former Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy’s best friends in Austin perhaps in part because of mutual respect for the player. He provides stability for the Texas secondary.

The third member of the Texas secondary makes our Top 10 which gives some indication about how we feel about the unit as a whole. There are real concerns about the field cornerback position, but there aren’t concerns about Mukuba, Barron or Muhammad from me. Andrew Mukuba started three seasons for the Clemson Tigers and is viewed as one of the top safeties in college football this season. Fortunately for Texas, there is less injury concern with Mukuba than there was with former transfer addition Jalen Catalon.

It might come as a surprise to rank Majors as a Top 5 player on the Texas roster, but the veteran center is one of the least replaceable players on the team entering his fourth season as starter. The fourth year starter designation doesn’t count the end of the 2020 season where he made an immediate impact in the final two games. Left tackle Kelvin Banks might set the ceiling for the Texas offensive line, but Majors raises the floor.

Torching SEC defenses is nothing new for the nation’s No. 1 transfer portal receiver Isaiah Bond. In fact, he did it with frequency in his old conference with several yards of separation. It’s possible one of fellow receivers Matthew Golden, Silas Bolden, Johntay Cook, DeAndre Moore and Ryan Wingo challenges Bond for the most production at wide receiver, but Bond is the most likely to lead the team this season.

UTSA transfer Trey Moore can be a Top 3 player for the Texas Longhorns in 2024. We have noted how his stats compare to NFL star Khalil Mack’s college stats at the Group of Five level. And when it comes to pass rush at the edge position, production is production. Moore might not have 14 sacks or reach his career starter average of 11 sacks this season, but his impact should be unmistakable in burnt orange.

It’s possible Ewers doesn’t live up to expectations. I think he can put it all together and have a great season in 2024. His improved completion percentage and deep ball accuracy helped Texas win 12 games and make the playoff last season. He needs to improve in processing defenses to be the reason the Longhorns win rather than part of a winning team.

Not much explanation is needed in regard to what to expect from Banks. He should be a future first rounder and one of the best players in college football in the upcoming season. He leads perhaps a Top 3 offensive line in the country.